The Cervelo R3 and S3

Trust and manufacturing are two terms that aren’t used together often enough. On the occasions when they are used together, it usually comes as dispositive, as in, “I don’t trust that manufacturer.” Of the many manufacturers I write about, few have enjoyed as respected a reputation as Cervelo. This spring I was afforded the opportunity to ride both the R3 and S3 back to back. There was a question before me: Would I go for the traditional road frame or would I go for the aero advantage? Two or three years ago the question would have been academic, but the design and execution of aero frames has improved enough that it finally seemed a fair question.

So I’m going to cover the things these two bikes have in common first, to get them out of the way. Both bikes were equipped with Shimano Ultegra (6800) Di2 components. The R3 sports an FSA bar (Energy Compact) and stem (SLK), while the S3 is built up with a 3T bar (Egonova Pro) and stem (ARX Pro). The seatpost on the R3 also comes from FSA, the SLK, while the S3 uses a proprietary aero post. Both came with a Fi’zi:k Antares saddle, a detail for while I was almost (almost) inordinately grateful. The R3 rolls on Fulcrum 5.5 wheels and Vittoria Diamante Pro tires, while the S3 went a more aero route with Mavic Cosmic Elite S wheels and Mavic Yksion Comp tires. Both bikes came with Rotor 3DF BBright cranks with 52 and 36t rings.

Cervelo’s Future-Proof Cable Management made the routing of brake cables and Di2 leads internally clean and attractive. The system uses a collection of standardized fitting so should you wish to move from a mechanical group to Di2 or swap out mechanical calipers for SRAM’s Hydro Rim brakes, the Future-Proof fittings will accommodate all of those choices without looking like you’ve had to zip-tie your bike together.

Both bikes use Cervelo’s assymetrical BBright bottom bracket design that allows the bottom bracket shell and non-drive chainstay to be 11 millimeters wider. BBright achieves this by eliminating the outboard cup and making the BB shell wider to incorporate that bearing within the frame. The rationale is that anything you can do to decrease twisting forces at the drivetrain is worthwhile, and because you can’t find more room on the drive side, you might as well use the space available on the non-drive side. Early on the system only worked with Rotor Cranks, but any opposition to BBright due to compatible cranks has been eliminated; you can now use everything from SRAM and Shimano to FSA and even Campagnolo Ultra-Torque.

The bikes weighed in at 16.56 lbs. (R3) and 16.82 lbs. (S3), a difference of roughly 130 grams, a difference accountable in the wheels alone; however, it doesn’t account for the difference in the frame weights—roughly 900g for the R3 in a 56, and roughly 1100g for the S3 in a 56. (Cervelo doesn’t really like talking frame weights on the R3 and S3, but when pressed prefer to say there tends to be a 110g difference between the two; I had to do some research to find published frame weights.) I’d go looking for that 200 grams if it really bothered me; it doesn’t. Better yet, swapping for a better set of wheels alone could make the S3 lighter than the R3.

The two bikes also differ in price. The R3, as built, carries a suggested retail of $5000. The S3 goes for a bit more, at $5200. These two frames, built with Ultegra Di2 components and aluminum clinchers and bars, deliver race-ready performance for less than some similarly-equipped bikes.

The bikes share identical geometries. I rode 56s, each with a 56.4cm top tube, 73.5-degree head tube angles, 43mm-rake forks, head tube lengths of 17.3cm, stacks of 58cm and reaches of 38.7cm. This made replicating my fit between bikes almost absurdly easy, especially as both came equipped with Fi’zi:k Antares saddles.

Thanks for a great review/comparison. I had the pleasure of being at seminar given by Damon Rinard, basically on the similarities, difference and design philosophy and aero advantages between the new S2/S3 and the new R3. I’m an old guy, 69 is a few weeks and was really looking for validation in wanting and R3, primarily for the comfort. As a result of hearing Damon I bought an S2 instead, but had it upgraded to 9000 components and added a set of C24 wheels I had on another bike. I ride primarily for fitness and exercise and my ride are not too long but this bike is a revelation. It is faster than my Scott CR1 pro and just as comfortable if not possibly more than my Volagi Liscio and with the wheels is a bit lighter the the base R3/105 I would have bought. I’m fresher at the end of rides despite spending a lot more time in the large chainring and in HR zones 4. As a result I’ll probably sell the Scott and am wondering about the Volagi. That would way more than cover a pair of C50s. 😉

Great review, and a surprising conclusion. I’ve been a late convert to aero. I’ve known of the benefits from my first ride on a 10-speed 30+ years ago. However, until very recently I wasn’t willing to make the compromises and trade-offs necessary to get it. Your review indicates that, at least with Cervelo, those compromises and trade-offs are significantly less that they once were. This is great news.
One aspect of aero still does concern me though – performance in cross-winds. As an example, I found that the slight difference in size between Zipp 303 and 202 front wheels resulted in major differences in performance on fast descents with cross winds (typical of many mountain canyons). I’ll no longer ride an aero wheel with a deeper cross section than a 202 in those situations – too scary. So, how do you think a frame with big cross sections like those on the S3 will react in cross winds, particularly in critical situations like a descent at speed?

I owned a 2009 R3 and S2 for 3 years. The S2 always felt fast, and was, but the ride was noticeably more harsh than the R3. Every time I switched from R3 to S2, I would find myself double-checking tire pressure because the ride was that much better (I used the same wheel set on both bikes). I loved both bikes, but the R3 was my preferred bike. The S2 has since been sold and the R3 has been upgraded to a 2012 R3 Team, which is noticeably stiffer in the BB than the 2009, but still rides like a dream. Concerning speed, I will say that swapping out my Shimano C24-CLs for Zipp 303s would consistently save me 7 minutes or so over my standard 30 mile training route regardless of whether I was on the R3 or S2. For me, the R3 with 303s is as good as it gets.

With all due respect I find this hard to believe… assuming your base avg speed was 20m/h a 7 minute improvement would equate to a new avg speed of 21.7m/h a whooping 1.7m/h improvement! if there is anybody else that has seen this please share your experience, I bet not even going to a full TT bike would yield such improvement.

I really enjoy your reviews. I think they do a good job of capturing the nuances of the bikes without resorting to exaggerations common in bike reviews. I do, however, feel a need to mention that your downhill test with a buddy doesn’t mean much. Acceleration due to gravity is a constant. It’s all aero and rolling resistance downhill.

Have to agree with anonymous. In all my experience, weight is a big cost on the way up and a big benefit on the way down. Or, put another way, force = mass * acceleration. With acceleration due to gravity constant, the most massive rider experiences the greatest gravitational force

MCH brings up a good point. Comfort isn’t just in your tush, it’s also in handling which can account for crosswinds. Where I normally ride in the southeastern US, crosswinds are kind of predictable. However, I was recently riding some canyons and such out in Northern New Mexico and those crosswinds where all over the place.
My bike has a pretty normal profile and I wan’t obviously riding an S3 so this isn’t a comment about that bike specifically, but I can definitely see how some aero tubes could have made those crosswinds more difficult to ride. High speeds with a high pucker factor from crosswinds can make for a quite uncomfortable descent, even with an otherwise comfortable tubeset.

Having a last year model P1, I understand your experience on the SLC-SL; I have been on roads with P1 which I can barely hold on. So when I was at the Cervelo demo ride couple months ago, I was still a little uncertain (or biased) about trying the S3. I ended up trying the S3, the new P3 and a heavily upgraded R5 (sub-12 pounder). While the R5 was an unbelievably smooth and stiff ride (it ROCKETS forward out of the saddle), I enjoyed the S3 the most. Yes, that feeling of fast! If I were to buy a new road bike now, the S3 (Di2) is NO DOUBT on the top of my list, not to mention it can also be easily converted for Tri races… maybe…. just maybe I will trade in my Giant TCR and P1 for a S3 down the road…

Everyone: Thanks for the kind words. This was flat-out the most difficult review I’ve ever undertaken.

Damon: I especially appreciate your nod.

MCH: My sense is that we are a long way from reaching a point of diminishing returns in aerodynamic gains the way we have with bike weight. There is still much to be gained based on the advances we are seeing. The new Zipp Firestrike 404 suggests that we may yet achieve 202 handling on a 404-depth rim.

Concerning the broader question of wind input on the frame, all I can say about the S3 was that I never encountered high enough winds to drive the frame. My experience is that to really cause a problem a frame needs a lot of surface area and some noticeable torsional twist. The Litespeed C1R had more surface area than any other aero bike I’ve ridden and it was okay in all but high winds on a mountain descent. It’s important to note that the S3 had but one tube that looks aero from the side and that’s the down tube.

Thanks for the insight Padraig. Upon reflection, my personal cross-section (ahem) is significantly more than any frame tube. So, as far as cross wind effect on stability perhaps trail and a front wheel’s performance in cross-winds are the more important factors.

Padraig – great post, as always, I enjoy your insight and honesty in your reviews. I agree that we have yet to see the full benefits of aerodynamic gains. I wanted to add that the new Zipp Firestrike wheels in combination with the S3 does make for a comfortable and highly stable ride (full disclosure – I’ve worked with Zipp since 1988 as an independent rep and also represent Cervelo). I received a set of the FIrestrike 404’s in time for the Cervelo Sales Meeting in VT two weeks ago and have found them to compliment the aerodynamics of the S3 frame. I’ve tackled 50+ mph mountain descents, washboard gravel roads and Hurricane Arthur winds with confidence. The combination is highly predictable at any speed and wind condition.

I recently upgraded to the s3, from a 2011 r3, and previous to that a s2, I feel more comfortable and faster. It levels the field in the way its just about fitness, the bike is so good you can’t blame it.

Thanks for the review, it was an interesting dilemma you were faced with.

The S3 I purchased in 2010, Campy Record, 404 Firecrests, was a revelation. There were moments when it felt like floating. The sensation of speed was thrilling. I’d been following Cervelo engineering for a while and the final product struck me as alchemy. My thought at the time was, “Is it possible to design a better bike?” Four years later and I still feel the same excitement each time I ride the S3. Add the characteristic loud chatter of the 404 freewheel and there’s no mistaking you’re on a machine. The S3 has been comfortable enough for Centurys, climbs well, and is a confident descender. It is not a greyhound out of the box. This spring I shopped for a light all around bike. I started with the R5 > Ridley Helium SL > Cannondale Supersix Evo > Parlee Z5 Sl > and much to my surprise, ended up purchasing a 2015 Tarmac Red (13.5 lbs w/out pedals). This is a light bike that is as stiff as one would want while providing an extremely plush ride. It handles with superlative confidence in every circumstance and it does jump out of the box like a greyhound. The way it quickly establishes and holds a confident line in curves is quite amazing. It does not provide the same sensation of pure speed as the S3. These are a nice pair of bikes that ride very differently, that complement each other very well. They renew the riding experience each time. I also own two fine steel bikes, and I agree with your opinion that steel can only be manipulated in a limited number of ways, while carbon is wonderful putty for the ever inventive and questing minds of engineers.
(note: The current Tarmacs ship with 52/36 110 BCD and the old SL4 seatpost rather than the one shown on the site. The bike shop changed to 53/39 130 BCD and substituted with the ENVE Zero setback post for me). I enjoy your columns and the thoughtfulness which characterizes most of the Replies. Thanks!

Many thanks for a great review Padraig on the comparisons. I’m in the market for a road bike, having only ridden two Cervelo tri bikes – a Soloist and P2C. My first ride was the R3 and I think I had a smile on for the two hours of climbs and descents! My LBS has an S3 for me to try and I committed to not making a decision until I’ve tried both. I’m keeping an open mind and glad to have such a well researched and documented comparison of these two great bikes.

I’ve been fortunate to be an owner of a R5 and struggled in my quest for an aero frame. I tested a S3, Felt F1 and a Neil Pryde Nazare/Alize. I bought an Alize based on comfort, weight and probable equivalent aero advantage. While not the ultimate in stiffness, it has struck a great balance. The review has pinpointed the advancements made in the past few years with aero frames and the convergence that we are seeing in a market segment.

MCH – Side force is indeed slightly higher with broad frame tubes, but it’s negligible. As Padraig said, the wheel is key: high side force *and* it twists the wheel, steering the bike. Even so, it’s not hard to develop your reflexes if you want the speed an aero wheel gives you. If not, choose a low profile rim and enjoy the easy steering.

@M:m – You should try the new S3. 😉

@Kurti_sc: Exactly. I was Race Engineer for the Cervélo TestTeam and recommended 404s even in medium mountain stages, until Andreas Klier mentioned the crosswinds while descending fast switchbacks. Hit the brakes once, and you’ve potentially lost contact with the group, which can be deadly when you’re trying to make the time cut. They rode 404 rears, 202 fronts.

Great review. I have the S3 Di2 now for 3 months and loving it. I excanged the wheels for aero (Edco), mad the battery internaly and got myself an 3T aerobar and auro Q-rings blades.
Love every minute on it

I’ve ridden the same original R3 (2005 black and red) for almost a decade now and not only does it blow my mind every spring after the winter, but even though I’m often tempted to update it, I have the very real impression, both emotionally and rationally looking at it on paper, that short of dropping $15K+, i am not going to feel any difference in the exceptional ride it still gives me. Best investment I ever made.

I would definitely consider one of the S series were I racing these days, but for aesthetics and feel I would think I’d stay with the R if I was going to upgrade.

That the S series has caught up in the feel and comfort stakes while furthering its aero performance is great. But for me the spiritual successor of the R3 that was (is), is really the RCA. That represents what the R3 in its heyday did… unfortunately with a price tag to make it unlikely for most of us.

PS – Wheels alternate between Zipp 404 (most days) and a pair of 850g RARs (envie+tune for big climbs) – at least giving me the illusion of up grading the R3’s aero performance for most days out… but I’ve never seen a good explanation of whether aero wheels on a frame as boxy as the R series is a waste of time or not! Not even by Adrien Gontier over at Roues Artisanales.

Hi Padraig! Latigo Canyon road (climb) is 9.2 miles to the tippy top, or the second crest. It has almost 2,000 feet of elevation at roughly 4.1% average. It is spectacular, but I am afraid that 9.2 miles is more than 11k, unless you meant the first crest. Latigo is in my back yard and I absolutely love it (my legs hate it). By the way, I switched from an old Trek 5900 a few weeks ago (with Enve wheels) to the new Pinarello F8, wh=ich claims to be “aero” as well. The comparison is not valid, given the age difference between bikes, but still it was Strava-measured after and much more comfortable (using the same wheels). Maybe the bikes are way different, but I am now inclined to believe that they can make comfortable aero bikes.

Having ridden both an S-Works Tarmac SL4 and the new Cervelo S3, if you were “forced” to choose one bike to use as an “all-around” bike, which would you choose? I ask because I’m currently riding a 2014 S-Works Tarmac, but I’ve always wanted an aero bike. Plus, my very first road bike was a Cervelo, so I’m quite partial to them. Based on your review, the S3 is quite capable of climbing as it’s plenty stiff.

MY: My decision would be influenced by where I live. So long as I remain in SoCal and not in Sonoma county or New England, I’d go with the S3. I’d also make sure to add some aero wheels, like the Zipp 303s or 404s. Any time where comfort isn’t my first consideration, I’m going to be choosing aero equipment. However, any time that staying comfortable is my first priority, I’m going to be making different choices.

Thanks for the review. Quite helpful to me. My first Cervelo bike was a 2010 R3 then 2012 R3 and now the 2014 S3. I couldn’t be any happier. On climbs, it’s just as capable as my previous R3’s. I can feel the difference on the flats though. I seem to exert less effort for the same speed. The 2014 S3 is pretty awesome! 🙂

I have a 2012 R3 Team and I’ve been thinking for months now about selling it for the new R3 or an S3. I can’t say after reading this my decision has become any easier but, wow, some great reading.

I think I’ll personally end up on a R3 again because I live in Northern Europe where rough roads and cobblestones are a pretty common thing. Yet if I think back to your comments about speed and how you over time were choosing more for the S3 than the R3, I’m reminded of how addictive fast bikes are. Then the decision isn’t so easy.

The one thing they cannot measure, ride quality, is where I think Cervelo has an edge over some of the other brands. I’ve ridden a lot of bikes and for me nothing compares to how a Cervelo rides. I don’t know how they found that holy grail of comfort and stiffness but it’s what keeps me from riding anything else.

I am so happy I came across your review. I’m in the market for a new road bike, after a 2-year hiatus of only riding in the dirt, and am looking at the S3. I owned an R3 in ’09/’10, before moving into an S-Works Tarmac SL3. I have fond memories of the R3 and looking back at my last two bikes, I decided I want to move into a Cervelo again.

I know that aero frames have improved over the past several years, and since I’m not looking to buy/build a “pro-level” bike, the S3 seems to be the ticket. My hesitation has been, whether I am losing any of the fantastic characteristics of the R3 by cheating the wind a bit. Doesn’t seem like I am, and since I’m used to the SL3 (by memory) and ride an HT on the dirt, I’m not concerned about losing much comfort.

What do you think the outcome would be if you compared the 2014 R5 vs the S3? I’m curious to know your thoughts, especially since this is the choice many of the Garmin guys were faced with for each race. Thanks.

I had a chance to weight my 2014 R3 frame set with all accessories and found its weight is far from 900 grams. It is a shocking 1010 grams frame set. Bear in mind my frame size is 51. a 56 might be something like 1050 g…….

Thank you for a killer review. I’m currently on the fence with several frame sets, and both of these are on my list. Maybe since I’ve not ridden an aero bike yet, I tend to be skeptical that they really are that much faster than other non-aero bikes. I am constantly going back and forth when trying to get over the hump in my mind. I’m looking for a frame that will last me many years to come, and while I don’t think that I’d be unhappy with either, I don’t want think end up thinking that I’d have been more happy with the other.

Did you actually weigh the frames yourself or just use a published weight that you found during your research?

Brandon: Thanks for the kind words. I was unable to weigh the frames myself and had to go with reported weights. I checked a few other reviews to see if anyone else had actual weights and if they were running close, and they were. My experience with aero equipment is that with frames and wheels, I’m willing to suffer a weight penalty to get the aero benefit. Thanks for reading.

I’m getting on. I had an atrial flutter ablation. I gave up racing. I kept my 2010 S3 and sold my 2008 R3 SL to my nephew. He loves it. I miss it. Now the S3 has a crack down the spine of the downtube. I don’t remember hitting anything but our roads here in the bottom of Taz are very poor. Anyway the frame is finished. This frame by the way is a replacement for a 2009 S3 I broke in a crash – wrecked the top tube with my groin.

Your article reminds me of the best bits of both bikes. I rode the S3 with 808s in the Australian masters champs one year. On a break of 5 in the wind all day – we were caught with 4k to go but I was still fresh enough to finish 10th (I dudded myself with postioning in the final k – thought I was more stuffed than I actually was). I’ve also ridden the R3 SL and S3 on 250k rides with 5000m of climb. The R3 was the better for all day saddle time with that much climb.

Right now I’m on a 2014 Roubaix – a noodle by comparison. Sure it’s comfy and goes around a bend like a bobsled but poke it off the lights and you look like a granny 🙂

Anyway I hope Cervelo come to the party with a replacement frame – I’ll try for an R3 but I’ll be very happy with either.

Padraig
Great report. Without doubt one of the best reviews I have read. I had already made the decision to buy my first Cervelo and your review has reinforced that I have made the right decision. I test rode the R3 recently and absolutely loved it but really want an S. (I’m 48 but can’t get the boy racer out of me). Now this is going to sound awfully shallow but I can’t live with the red (so much for the boy racer). I can’t stretch to an S5 sadly so I am currently looking at an S2 with a wheel upgrade to Kysirium Elite. No match for the S3 I hear you cry because of the inferior components but how far behind does that leave me in terms of speed and comfort do you think? I’d appreciate your opinion.

Probably the best review I have read. Mimics the to-and-fro thinking a prospective buyer always have when purchasing a new bike. I bought an R3 last year, built up to my specs. I also have an Orbea Orca 2013. The differences are extreme between the two bikes. I recently came back from Mallorca being fed up with being rattled and rolled on the stiff Orca and got back on the R3 and REALLY noticed the difference. However, being the person I am – with an unhealthy interest in bikes – I have now ordered an S3 as well. Cause I can. I am a big man, almost 98 kg, but these bikes are stiff enough for me and when pushing the pedals I can get a lot more power across that on the Orca that, even being a superb frame, is a bit old school. I run HED Ardennes plus and Jet 6 Plus with my bikes (plus the odd tubular 50 mm noname China tubulars for fun).

Excellent review of both bikes. I have been trying to decide which bike (R3 or S3) will be my next purchase. I will be buying the S3 tomorrow and let you know how it goes. 🙂
I’m sure it won’t let me down.
Thanks for your assistance.

Great Review and a huge help. I am old, fat and have an SL4 Roubaix which I love. I am now looking for an N+1 which is stiffer but still comfortable. I am conscious that I waste a lot of power bending the frame on the roubaix and hence and not fast off the mark. That being said, I generally ride longer distances and shall never compete (hmm)

From your review I believe that if I were to have a single bike (replace the Roubaix) then the R3 would be the answer. However, if i keep the Roubaix for longer rides then the S3 gives me a faster fun bike that is still comfortable.

I am 6ft1, 114 KG . . . Will the S3 make me faster or ride longer, probably not. However, from my test ride, it will make me smile!

“When I’d ride the R3 first and then take the S3 out, I was continually amazed by how the S3 was never as harsh as I’d expect. It’s as if I was expect to get back on the SLC-SL, but instead found myself on something like my Felt F1 or the S-Works Tarmac SL3. Similarly, when I’d make a jump from a stop sign, the bike performed better than expected. I never found myself thinking the bike wasn’t stiff enough for the effort I was putting out. I might have felt differently if I weighed 180 lbs., but I don’t.”

To answer the above statement:

As a 190 lb rider, I found the S3 to really hold up in terms of stiffness. It has done everything I have asked of while still giving me a hell of a lot of comfort in the saddle. I always thought I was pretty doomed to feel it after spending all day in the saddle as I needed something with the stiffness to hold up to my build/weight (wide shouldered rugby player body). The S3 is like having your cake and eating it too. Responsive, stiff, and a ton of comfort in the saddle in longer rides (took it on a century the second week I had it… and felt awesome afterwards, which is not normally the case after such efforts).

Currently debating putting the 2-position S5 seat into mine and utilizing it in the forward position as a tri setup with a different bar setup.

i know this article is a year old, but it provided me with some tremendous insight.. i was in the market to upgrade from my trek madone 3.1 & was vacillating between the R3, S3, PInarello Marvel, & a Cannondale Supersix. the article took me through step by step & gave me many different ways to view the Cervelos that i hadn’t considered. i considered many factors with each bike, but your article was so thorough , step by step on which bike for X application. Based on your review, i ended up going with the S3. Living in South Florida, where it is flat, the S3 seemed the better choice for me..
i took my maiden voyage last night, & i have to say, I am in love.. Silky smooth ride, easy shifting, just an absolute pleasure to be on.. I even put on an extra 10 miles, because i didn’t want the ride to end..
So, i just wanted to express my gratitude.

Great article! I just want to ask you… How is the geometry of these two Cervelo’s? I have looked at both which has the same geo and the Medium sized ones have a very short reach (378mm) compared to a comfort bike such as the Specialized Roubaix which has reach of (380mm) for a Medium. I know it might not make sense, but I’d love an Aero frame which provides a more upright position similar to known comfort bikes (Roubaix, Solace etc.)

Thank you for a great review. It was very informative and helpful, even if I ended up buying the R3, with which I am thrilled btw.
I realize this is an old post, and I hope you will still comment. I am curious to know, if you tried switching the wheels on the 2 bikes, to see how much if any, the 30 mm rims of the Mavic wheels made of the difference in aero performance, compared to the Fulcrums?
I upgraded my wheelset to Campagnolo Zondas btw, and the improvement in stiffnes and weight just makes the R3 all the more lively and fun 🙂

It’s funny; I did actually switch the wheels once, utterly by accident, after washing the bikes. I noticed only because the R3, with a heavier wheel, was a tad slower to accelerate. That said, I’d look long and hard at the difference in aero performance on those two wheels before I got too worked up. The wheels didn’t provide a big enough increase in aero performance to be detectable on that bike, but those wheels plus the S3 frame? Distinct.

This was a very well written and informative review but would ultimately have not resulted in me purchasing an S3, for one simple reason……. I just picked up a late 2015 R3 ( Internal Di Battery ) in the January sale for exactly half the original price. At that level of value I’m prepared to sacrifice any slight aero advantage of the S3 it is just not worth £2,200 ! ! I’ll probably upgrade the wheels at some point though. Only downside at present, I’m not taking my R3 out on the cold, wet and salt encrusted roads here in Scotland, and there has not been a single dry weekend since I got the R3 in January. I’m positively itching to get off my winter clunker and get out on this bike. AHHHHHHH ! ! ! !

Well, Finally got some miles on the new R3. WOW ! – Compared to my last road bike a 2001 Bataglin ( I keep them for ages ) this bike is incredible. I certainly feel like the cat that got the cream and a few fish thrown into the bargain. I was impressed with how lively the frame felt, and I noticed a big difference in the way the power, what little I generate, all went to the wheel. At 6lbs lighter than the old bike the lightness is hugely noticeable, basically like ditching a full rucsac on a climb. So glad I got this R3……..

Like everyone else, this is not only the most informative article on the topic but one that essentially sums up where I am in the decision process. Both fit like a glove but the option of buying the S2 and upgrading the wheels is immediately ion front of me. Any thoughts on what I would potentially lose by doing this? The S2 in question is the 2015 Blue and Black one? C$3800 for the S3 or C$1999 for the S2 leaving 1800 for upgrades.

Amazing Padraig how still in 2017 (soon to be 2018) people are still reading this article. Your review steered me in the direction of S3 a few years ago. Would be awesome if you could do a review of Cervelo S3 disc vs Cervelo R3 disc (2017 models). Cheers and happy new year Padraig!!